Charles Spurgeon said, “Superficial religion will always be fashionable because it does not require self-denial.” If you ever question whether your faith is genuine, ask yourself how much self-denial you are exercising in your life. Jesus made it very clear: if you are going to follow Him, you must deny yourself (Luke 9:23). You cannot be a Christ follower and live your life indulging in sinful lusts and behaviors (Romans 8:12–13).
There is a way that seems good, pleasing, and desirable to us, but that way of living only ends in death and eternal punishment (Proverbs 14:12). Genuine faith is manifested in self-denial, a putting away of the old ways of the flesh, and walking as a new creation in the power of God’s Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:19-20).
We see superficial religion being practiced in so many churches today. While it is most obvious in large mega-churches, it is no less present in small churches as well. The focus is on the presentation, atmosphere, and the number of programs they have for you to take part in. I’ve seen more sermons than I can count where the preacher never opens the Bible. At best, they will throw a couple of random verses up on a screen thirty minutes into their message. They design everything to make you feel comfortable (2 Timothy 4:3–4) and admire the facility and the messenger.
Jesus deflected attention from Himself and onto the Father. If the Son of God is humble enough to know all glory belongs to God, shouldn’t we see that same humility in our pulpits today? Pride has no place in the pulpit or in the life of any believer (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6), but what we find today are pastors and Christians more concerned with building their brand and following than they are with preaching the Gospel and leading others to Jesus. That is the very definition of a superficial religion.
This isn’t a recent phenomenon, but it is one that is ever increasing. It’s not just in our pulpits, but also in our pews. If going to church each week is something you do to feel more spiritual, or if it is only about you seeking to gain some new insight, you are missing the point and might as well stay home. Gathering together as believers is for the corporate worship of our great God and King (Hebrews 10:24–25). No part of it should be about us because, like life, it is all about Him (Romans 11:36)!
I have two great fears. The first is that the vast majority of professing Christians are in reality practicing a superficial religion (Matthew 7:21–23). The second is that this superficial religion is going to send them to Hell (Matthew 25:41-46). How many think their eternity is secure because they are active in their churches, yet have never experienced the transforming work of Christ in their hearts? We must be on guard so that we do not fall into complacency in our faith, and also be diligent in pointing out the dangers of empty religion and loving the things of this world. Our salvation results from nothing other than the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that sacrifice demands our complete surrender to Him as Lord (Romans 12:1). Superficial religion and pride will both end in death (James 1:15). Only true faith in Christ will give you eternal life in the joy and presence of God (John 3:36).